Tubing monitor and alarm in pump drive user interface

ABSTRACT

Aspects are provided for positive displacement pumps and methods and systems for controlling such pumps to provide alerts based on user configurable tubing usage limits. A pump may include a user interface, a memory storing processor executable instructions, and a processor coupled with the user interface and the memory and configured to execute the instructions to receive a configuration of a tubing usage limit via the user interface. The processor may be configured to operate the pump according to a program. The processor may be configured to measure a tubing usage during pump operation. The processor may be configured to generate an alert when the tubing usage reaches the tubing usage limit.

INTRODUCTION

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to pumps and systemsfor controlling such pumps.

BACKGROUND

Fluid handling apparatuses such as positive displacement pumps are usedin various environments to supply fluids at set rates. Positivedisplacement pumps are often used due to their precision and durability.For example, positive displacement pumps may operate unattended forcontinuous laboratory or manufacturing processes.

Although positive displacement pumps can operate for long periods oftime without malfunctioning, errors can occur. For example, a positivedisplacement pump may utilize tubing that can rupture during use. Sucha. error may be a catastrophic failure for a laboratory or manufacturingprocess.

Accordingly, there remains an unmet need in the related art for positivedisplacement pumps and systems and methods of control thereof.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects ofthe present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of suchaspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplatedaspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements ofall aspects, nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its purposeis to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified formas a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a pump. The pump mayinclude a user interface, a memory storing processor executableinstructions, and a processor coupled with the user interface and thememory and configured to execute the instructions to receive aconfiguration of a tubing usage limit via the user interface. Theprocessor may be configured to operate the pump according to a program.The processor may be configured to measure a tubing usage during pumpoperation. The processor may be configured to generate an alert when thetubing usage reaches the tubing usage limit.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method ofcontrolling a pump by a pump controller. The method may includereceiving a configuration of a tubing usage limit via a user interface.The method may include operating the pump according to a program. Themethod may include measuring a tubing usage during pump operation. Themethod may include generating an alert when the tubing usage reaches thetubing usage limit.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a pump controller forcontrolling a pump. The pump controller may include a memory storingcomputer-executable instructions and at least one processor coupled tothe memory and configured to execute the instructions to receive aconfiguration of a tubing usage limit via a user interface. Theprocessor may be configured to operate the pump according to a program.The processor may be configured to measure a tubing usage during pumpoperation. The processor may be configured to generate an alert when thetubing usage reaches the tubing usage limit.

These and other aspects of the present disclosure will become more fullyunderstood upon a review of the detailed description, which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is schematic diagram of an example operating environment for apositive displacement pump.

FIG. 2 is schematic diagram of an example positive displacement pump,according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an example of a first user interface for a pump, according toan aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an example of a second user interface for a pump, according toan aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing logical control of a pump, according toan aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing an example method of controlling apositive displacement pump, according to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 presents an exemplary system diagram of various hardwarecomponents and other features, for use in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of various exemplary system components, foruse in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of various configurations and isnot intended to represent the only configurations in which the conceptsdescribed herein may be practiced. The detailed description includesspecific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understandingof various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that these concepts may be practiced without these specificdetails. In some instances, well known components are shown in blockdiagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a positive displacement pumpwith a tubing usage alarm built into a user interface of the pump andmethods for controlling such a positive displacement pump. An operatinglife of tubing in a pump may vary greatly based on various operatingparameters of the pump such as the tubing material, tubing size,operating speed, operating pressure, fluid being pumped. A cost of acatastrophic failure may also vary greatly in comparison to replacementcosts for the tubing. For example, a pump that maintains a level of anon-reactive chemical may merely require replacement of the tubing ifthe tubing ruptures. There may be little chance of damage to otherequipment. In contrast, a pump that transports a caustic fluid may havethe potential to cause injury or damage equipment if the pump ruptures.Accordingly, even if the pump with the caustic fluid has the sameexpected tubing life as the pump with the non-reactive chemical, anoperator may want to replace the tubing earlier to avoid the risk of acatastrophic failure. As another example, the fluid being pumped may beexpensive or may be part of an expensive process or experiment such thata catastrophic failure may result in costs beyond the specific operationof the pump.

In an aspect, because the uses of a pump are so varied and costs areunpredictable, a configurable usage limit may be desirable. Because thetubing limit may depend on actual usage of the pump, access to operationparameters of the pump may be necessary to determine when the tubinglimit is reached. In an aspect, the user interface of a pump providesboth user selectable configuration and access to operation parameters.The user interface may provide a tubing monitoring feature that providesan alert when tubing usage reaches a user defined usage limit. The userinterface may receive a configuration of a tubing usage limit via theuser interface. The user interface may operate the pump according to aprogram. The user interface may measure a tubing usage during pumpoperation. The user interface may display the tubing usage with respectto the user defined usage limit. The user interface may generate analert when the tubing usage reaches the tubing usage limit.

FIG. 1 is a representative schematic diagram of an example operatingenvironment 100 for a positive displacement pump 110. The operatingenvironment 100 may include the positive displacement pump 110, a fluidsource 120, a fluid destination 130, and a flow sensor 112. The positivedisplacement pump 110 may pump fluid from the fluid source 120 to thefluid destination 130 via tubing, which may include an inlet tube 122and an outlet tube 124. In some implementations, the positivedisplacement pump 110 may be connected to an external pump controller160 via a connection 114. The connection 114 may be wired or wireless.For example, the connection 114 may include a wired connection carryingan analog signal (e.g., current, voltage, or frequency) or a digitalsignal (e.g., serial communication, RS232/485, ModBus, ProfiBus,EtherNet/IP, or ProfiNet). A wireless connection may include but is notlimited to Bluetooth, Wifi, ZigBee, Zwave, etc.

The positive displacement pump 110 may include a pump controller thatcontrols a motor of the positive displacement pump 110 according to aprogram. The positive displacement pump 110 and/or the external pumpcontroller 160 may include a user interface. For example, the userinterface may include a monitor such as a touch screen display for bothinput and output. In some implementations, the user interface includes aspeaker for audio output and/or a microphone for audio input. In anaspect, the user interface may provide an alert when pump usage reachesa configured usage limit set by a pump operator via the user interface.

FIG. 2 is a representative schematic diagram of an example positivedisplacement pump 110 usable in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure. The term “positive displacement pump” as used hereindescribes a category of fluid pumps that trap a fixed amount of fluidand force the trapped fluid to a discharge pipe. Positive displacementpumps are conventionally used in processes that require precisemeasurement or dosing of fluid. Positive displacement pumps may bedriven by an electric motor under the control of a controller (e.g.,electronic control unit (ECU) and/or other processor) that rotates themotor shaft at a desired speed. In an aspect, a positive displacementpump may include a detachable pump head that includes a casing and fluidcontacting components of the positive displacement pump. The pump headmay be driven by the motor via a magnetic coupling, for example. Thepositive displacement pump may be fitted with a different pump head,depending on the desired operation. For example, in an aspect, apositive displacement pump may include a housing including the drivemotor, controller, and user interfaces, and a detachable pump head maybe fitted in or on the housing. The selection of different pump headsmay configure the positive displacement pump 110 as, for example, one ofa peristaltic pump, gear pump, or diaphragm pump.

The positive displacement pump 110 may include a wet end 220 and a case230. The wet end 220 may include fluid handling components including apump head 222, a liquid supply 224, an inlet tube 226, and an outlettube 228. The wet end 220 may be detachable from the case 230 to allowreplacement or substitution of the wet end 220. For example, differentpump heads 222 may be selected for use in pumping different fluids.

The pump head 222 may include a mechanism for pumping fluid. In anaspect, the positive displacement pump 110 may use a pump head thatallows precise monitoring of the fluid being pumped (e.g., volumepumped). Example pump heads may include a peristaltic pump head, aquaternary diaphragm pump head, and/or a gear pump head. The pump head222 may be connected to a liquid supply 224 via an inlet tube 226. Thepump head 222 may pump the fluid to the outlet tube 228. In an aspect,for example, using a peristaltic pump, the inlet tube 226 and the outlettube 228 may be or include a continuous tube extending through the pumphead 222.

The case 230 may include electronic components of the positivedisplacement pump 110.

For example, the case 230 may include a network interface 232, a localuser interface 234, a drive motor 240, a processor 250, and a memory252. Further, the memory 252 may store instructions executable by theprocessor 250 for implementing a pump controller 260, which may includea user interface controller 262 and a tubing sensor 272. The userinterface controller 262 may control the local user interface 234. Theuser interface controller 262 may include a limit interface 264, aprogram interface 266, a usage monitor 268, and an alert component 270.

The network interface 232 may include a wired or wireless networkinterface for transmitting and receiving data packets. In an aspect, thenetwork interface 232, for example, may utilize Internet Protocol (IP)packets that may carry commands, parameters, or data. The networkinterface 232 may forward commands to the processor 250 for processingby the pump controller 260. Conversely, the network interface 232 mayreceive data generated by the pump controller 260 from the processor 250and transmit the data, for example, to an external pump controller 160.

The local user interface 234 may include controls provided on thepositive displacement pump 110 for controlling the positive displacementpump 110. In an aspect, the local user interface 234 may include adisplay screen that presents menus for selecting commands (e.g., settarget volume). The display screen may be a touch-screen that receivesuser input. In another aspect, the local user interface 234 may includededicated buttons and/or other selection features for navigating themenus. For example, the local user interface 234 may include directionalbuttons and/or a selection button. The local user interface 234 maygenerate commands to the processor 250 for processing by the pumpcontroller 260. In an aspect, the local user interface 234 may becontrolled via firmware executed by the processor 250. For example, thepump controller 260 may include a user interface controller 262. Thefirmware may be updated to add features or otherwise change theoperation of the local user interface 234.

The drive motor 240 may be or include an electric motor that provides aforce for pumping the fluid. In an aspect, the drive motor 240 may bemagnetically coupled to the pump head 222 to drive the pump head 222.The drive motor 240 may be controlled by the pump controller 260. Forexample, the pump controller 260 may generate a control signalindicating a speed and direction of the drive motor 240 based onreceived commands.

The processor 250 may include one or more processors for executinginstructions. An example of processor 250 may include, but is notlimited to, any suitable processor specially programmed as describedherein, including a controller, microcontroller, application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), systemon chip (SoC), or other programmable logic or state machine. Theprocessor 250 may include other processing components, such as anarithmetic logic unit (ALU), registers, and a control unit. Theprocessor 250 may include multiple cores and may be able to processdifferent sets of instructions and/or data concurrently using themultiple cores to execute multiple threads, for example.

Memory 252 may be configured for storing data and/or computer-executableinstructions defining and/or associated with the pump controller 260,and processor 250 may execute such instructions with regard to operationof the pump controller 260. Memory 252 may represent one or morehardware memory devices accessible to processor 250. An example ofmemory 252 can include, but is not limited to, a type of memory usableby a computer, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory(ROM), tapes, magnetic discs, optical discs, volatile memory,non-volatile memory, and any combination thereof. Memory 252 may storelocal versions of a pump controller application being executed byprocessor 250, for example. Although pump controller 260 is illustratedas being a component of the pump 110, in some implementations, the pumpcontroller 260 may reside within the external pump controller 160. Forexample, executable instructions for the pump controller 260 may bestored in a memory of the external pump controller 160 and executed by aprocessor of the external pump controller 160.

The pump controller 260 may control operation of the positivedisplacement pump 110 based on commands received from either the networkinterface 232 or the local user interface 234, for example. The pumpcontroller 260 may include a user interface controller 262 forcontrolling the local user interface 234. The user interface controller262 may include a limit interface 264 for receiving a configuration of atubing usage limit via the user interface, a program interface 266configured to operate the pup according to a program, a usage monitor268 configured to measure a tubing usage during pump operation, and analert component 270 configured to generate an alert when the tubingusage reaches the tubing usage limit. The pump controller 260 mayoptionally include a tubing sensor 272 configured to detect a change ofpump tubing. For example, the tubing sensor 272 may be an open headsensor that generates a signal when the pump head 222 is open.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example user interface 300. The user interface300 may be presented on the local user interface 234. In an aspect, theprogram interface 266 may generate the user interface 300 on the localuser interface 234. The user interface 300 may allow a user to configurean operation program for the pump 110. The user interface 300 mayinclude a mode selection button 310. The mode selection button 310 mayallow selection between different modes that control how the pumpoperates. Example modes may include a timed mode, a continuous mode, avolume mode, and a remote mode. Each mode may be associated withoperation parameters. For example, the timed mode may be associated withan on time and an off time. The user may set the operation parametersvia the mode selection button.

The user interface 300 may include an operation observation region 320.The operation observation region 320 may present information (e.g.,operation parameters) about operation of the pump under the selectedoperation mode. The operation parameters may be generated by the pumpcontroller 260 and provided to the program interface 266 for display onthe user interface 300. For instance, the operation observation region320 may indicate a cumulative volume button 322 and a batch total button324 that each display a dispatched volume. The cumulative volume button322 and the batch total button 324 may be selectable to reset theindicated volume. The operation observation region 320 may present otheroperation parameters that are not resettable. For example, the operationobservation region 320 may display the on time, off time, and flow rate.

The user interface 300 may include control buttons such as a primebutton 330 and a start button 332. The prime button 330 may cause thepump to operate for a sufficient time to fill the tubing 122 and 124from the fluid source 120. In an aspect, operation of the pump caused bythe prime button 330 may not count toward the operating parameters, forexample, because fluid may not be dispensed to the fluid destination 130during the priming operation. Operation of the pump caused by the primebutton 330 may count toward a usage limit because such operation maycause wear on the tubing. The start button 332 may cause the pump 110 tooperate according to the selected mode and operation parameters. Theuser interface may display the current operation parameters in theoperation observation region 320 as the pump operates in response to thestart button 332 being selected. In some implementations, the startbutton 332 may change to a stop button while the pump 110 is operating.

The user interface 300 may include management buttons such as a log outbutton 334 and an options button 336. The log out button 334 may allow acurrent user to log out and/or allow a new user to log in. The userinterface 300 may implement controls based on the user that is loggedin. The user interface 300 may log data based on the user that is loggedin. The options button 336 may allow configuration of various optionsfor the operation mode.

In an aspect, the user interface 300 may include a tubing monitor button350. The tubing monitor button 350 may activate a tubing monitorfeature. In an aspect, the tubing monitor button may open the userinterface 400 of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 4 illustrates an example user interface 400 for configuring atubing monitor feature. The tubing monitor feature may monitor usage ofthe tubing installed in the pump and detect when a limit has beenreached. The user interface 400 may include a tubing limit button 410that activates or deactivates the tubing monitor feature. The tubinglimit button 410 may indicate whether the tubing monitor feature iscurrently active.

The user interface 400 may include one or more limit buttons that allowthe user to set a usage limit for one or more operation parameters. Forexample, the user interface may include an operating time button 420that allows the user to set an operating time limit, a pump cyclesbutton 430 that allows the user to set a limit on a number of pumpcycles, and a volume button 440 that allows the user to set a limit on afluid volume.

The user interface 400 may include control buttons such as a back button450, an options button 460, and a confirm button 470. The back button450 may cause the local user interface 234 to display the user interface300. The options button 460 may present configurable options for thetubing monitor feature. For example, the options may include a displaytype, an alert type, an alert volume, or whether to stop operation. Forinstance, a display type may include graphical options for displayingthe tubing usage such as a count-down display or a graphic such as aneedle moving on a simulated dial. The alert types may include audioalerts, visual alerts, and remote alerts. For example, a remote alertmay be configured to transmit an alert to a phone number, email address,or device connected via Bluetooth or other short range connection. Theconfirm button 470 may apply any changes made to the tubing monitorfeature settings and return the local user interface to the userinterface 300.

FIG. 5 flow diagram 500 showing logical control of a pump (e.g., thepump 110). For example, the pump controller 260 may control the pump 110according to the flow diagram 500. Control may start at block 510 andproceed to block 512. At block 512, the pump controller 260 may receivea program configuration, for example, via the program interface 266providing the user interface 300 on the local user interface 234.Control may proceed to block 514 where the pump controller 260 maydetermine whether a tubing change is detected. For example, the tubingsensor 272 may detect that a pump cover and/or pump head has beenopened. As another example, the user may indicate that the tubing hasbeen changed by pressing a button in the local user interface 234 (e.g.,the tubing monitor button 350). If a tubing change has been detected,control may proceed to block 516. Otherwise, control may proceed toblock 520.

At block 516, the pump controller 260 may prompt a user to enter amonitor configuration. For example, the pump controller 260 and/or thelimit interface 264 may control the local user interface 234 to presentthe user interface 400. Control may proceed to block 518 where the pumpcontroller 260 may receive a monitor configuration. For example, theuser may enter a monitor configuration by setting a limit using one ormore of the operating time button 420, the pump cycles button 430, orthe volume button 440. In some implementations, multiple limits may beconfigured. For example, the user may configure a first operating timelimit that only generates a visual alarm and a second operating timelimit that generates an audio alarm and/or stops the pump. The multiplelimits may include different types of limits such as a pump cycle limitand a volume limit. The user may confirm the monitor configuration bypressing the confirm button 470.

At block 520, the pump controller 260 may operate the pump according tothe program selected by the user. The pump controller 260 may alsomeasure usage of the tubing. For example, the pump controller 260 and/orthe usage monitor 268 may accumulate one or more operation parameters.For instance, the operation parameters may correspond to one of thelimits selected by the user. Control may proceed to block 522, where thepump controller 260 and/or the usage monitor 268 may determine whether atubing usage limit has been reached. For example, the pump controller260 and/or the usage monitor 268 may compare the configured usage limitto the corresponding accumulated operation parameter. If the tubingusage limit has been reached, control may proceed to block 524.Otherwise, control may proceed to block 526.

At block 524, the pump controller 260 may generate an alert. Forexample, the alert may include an audible and/or visual alarm at thepump 110. As another example, the alert may include a messagetransmitted to a device of the user (e.g., a mobile phone or computer).For example, the alert may be transmitted as a short message service(SMS) message, email, or notification.

At block 526, the pump controller 260 may determine whether the programis complete. For example, the pump controller 260 may determine whetheran operation parameter configured for the program (e.g., an on time) hasbeen reached. If the program is complete, control may return to block512 to wait for a new program configuration. If the program is notcomplete, control may return to block 520 to continue operating the pumpaccording to the program and monitoring usage.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing an example method of controlling apositive displacement pump. The method 600 may be performed by the pumpcontroller 260 of FIG. 2 , for example. Optional blocks are shown withdashed lines.

At block 610, the method 600 may optionally include downloadingprocessor executable instructions from an authenticated source. In anaspect, for example, the network interface 232 procedure may downloadprocessor executable instructions such as user interface controller 262from an authenticated source. The authenticated source may be amanufacturer system. An address of the manufacturer system may beembedded into the network interface 232. The processor executableinstructions may be a firmware update that adds the usage monitorfeature to the pump controller 260.

At block 620, the method 600 may optionally include detecting a changeof pump tubing.

For example, the tubing sensor 272 may detect the change of pump tubing.For example, the tubing sensor 272 may detect that a pump cover or pumphead has been opened and closed, which may indicate that the tubing hasbeen changed. In another aspect, the user interface controller 262 mayreceive an indication from the user that the tubing has changed (e.g., achange in a size of the tubing) for a volume dispense mode.

In block 630, the method 600 may optionally include determining apredicted movement time of the pump movement sub-cycle for a motor ofprompting the user to input the configuration of the tubing usage limitvia the user interface. In an aspect, for example, the user interfacecontroller 262 may prompt the user to input the configuration of thetubing usage limit via the user interface. For example, the limitinterface 264 may generate the user interface 400 on the local userinterface 234.

At block 640, the method 600 may include receiving a configuration of atubing usage limit via the user interface. For example, the limitinterface 264 may receive a configuration of a tubing usage limit (e.g.,a time limit, cycle limit, or volume limit) via the user interface 400.For example, the user may press the operating time button 420, the pumpcycles button 430, and/or the volume button 440, then enter a value todefine the tubing usage limit.

At block 650, the method 600 may include operating the pump according toa program.

For example, the pump controller 260 may operate the pump 110 accordingto a program. In some implementations, the user may select the programvia the user interface 300. In implementations where the pump controller260 resides within an external pump controller 260, operating the pumpaccording to the program may include sending commands to the pump 110via the connection 114.

At block 660, the method 600 may include measuring a tubing usage duringpump operation. For example, the usage monitor 268 may measure thetubing usage during pump operation. The tubing usage may include anyoperation parameter. The tubing usage may include usage during both apriming operation and operation according to a pump program. Inimplementations where the pump controller 260 resides within an externalpump controller 260, measuring a tubing usage during pump operation mayinclude receiving measurements from the pump 110 via the connection 114.

At block 670, the method 600 may include generating an alert when thetubing usage reaches the tubing usage limit. For example, the alertcomponent 270 may generate the alert when the tubing usage reaches thetubing usage limit. For example, the alert component 270 may control aspeaker of the local user interface 234 to play a sound or may control adisplay of the local user interface 234 to flash. In someimplementations, the alert component 270 may transmit a message via thenetwork interface 232.

Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented using hardware,software, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or morecomputer systems or other processing systems. In one aspect, thedisclosure is directed toward one or more computer systems capable ofcarrying out the functionality described herein. FIG. 7 presents anexample system diagram of various hardware components and other featuresthat may be used in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented using hardware,software, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or morecomputer systems or other processing systems. In one example variation,aspects of the disclosure are directed toward one or more computersystems capable of carrying out the functionality described herein. Anexample of such a computer system 700 is shown in FIG. 7 .

Computer system 700 includes one or more processors, such as processor704. The processor 704 is connected to a communication infrastructure706 (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). Varioussoftware aspects are described in terms of this example computer system.After reading this description, it will become apparent to a personskilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement aspects of thedisclosure using other computer systems and/or architectures.

Computer system 700 may include a display interface 702 that forwardsgraphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure 706(or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit 730.Computer system 700 also includes a main memory 708, preferably randomaccess memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 710. Thesecondary memory 710 may include nonvolatile memory, for example, a harddisk drive 712, flash memory and/or a removable storage drive 714,representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical diskdrive, etc. The removable storage drive 714 reads from and/or writes toa removable storage unit 718 in a well-known manner. Removable storageunit 718, represents a USB memory drive, SD card, floppy disk, magnetictape, optical disk, etc., which is read by and written to removablestorage drive 714. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit718 includes a computer usable storage medium having stored thereincomputer software and/or data.

In alternative aspects, secondary memory 710 may include other similardevices for allowing computer programs or other instructions to beloaded into computer system 700. Such devices may include, for example,a removable storage unit 722 and an interface 720. Examples of such mayinclude a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that foundin video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an erasableprogrammable read only memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory(PROM)) and associated socket, and other removable storage units 722 andinterfaces 720, which allow software and data to be transferred from theremovable storage unit 722 to computer system 700.

Computer system 700 may also include a communications interface 724.Communications interface 724 allows software and data to be transferredbetween computer system 700 and external devices. Examples ofcommunications interface 724 may include a modem, a network interface(such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a Personal ComputerMemory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc.Software and data transferred via communications interface 724 are inthe form of signals 728, which may be electronic, electromagnetic,optical or other signals capable of being received by communicationsinterface 724. These signals 728 are provided to communicationsinterface 724 via a communications path (e.g., channel) 726. This path726 carries signals 728 and may be implemented using wire or cable,fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, a radio frequency (RF)link and/or other communications channels. In this document, the terms“computer program medium” and “computer usable medium” are used to refergenerally to media such as a removable storage drive 714, a hard diskinstalled in hard disk drive 712, and signals 728. These computerprogram products provide software to the computer system 700. Aspects ofthe disclosure are directed to such computer program products.

Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) arestored in main memory 708 and/or secondary memory 710. Computer programsmay also be received via communications interface 724. Such computerprograms, when executed, enable the computer system 700 to performvarious features in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure,as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, whenexecuted, enable the processor 704 to perform such features.Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of thecomputer system 700.

In variations where aspects of the disclosure are implemented usingsoftware, the software may be stored in a computer program product andloaded into computer system 700 using removable storage drive 714, harddisk drive 712, or communications interface 720. The control logic(software), when executed by the processor 704, causes the processor 704to perform the functions in accordance with aspects of the disclosure asdescribed herein. In another variation, aspects are implementedprimarily in hardware using, for example, hardware components, such asapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Implementation of thehardware state machine so as to perform the functions described hereinwill be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s).

In yet another example variation, aspects of the disclosure areimplemented using a combination of both hardware and software.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of various example system components (e.g., ona network) that may be used in accordance with aspects of the presentdisclosure. The system 800 may include one or more accessors 860, 862(also referred to interchangeably herein as one or more “users”) and oneor more terminals 842, 866. In one aspect, data for use in accordancewith aspects of the present disclosure may, for example, be input and/oraccessed by accessors 860, 862 via terminals 842, 866, such as personalcomputers (PCs), minicomputers, mainframe computers, microcomputers,telephonic devices, or wireless devices, such as personal digitalassistants (“PDAs”) or a hand-held wireless devices coupled to a server843, such as a PC, minicomputer, mainframe computer, microcomputer, orother device having a processor and a repository for data and/orconnection to a repository for data, via, for example, a network 844,such as the Internet or an intranet, and couplings 845, 846, 864. Thecouplings 845, 846, 864 include, for example, wired, wireless, or fiberoptic links. In another example variation, the method and system inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure operate in astand-alone environment, such as on a single terminal.

The aspects of the disclosure discussed herein may also be described andimplemented in the context of computer-readable storage medium storingcomputer-executable instructions. Computer-readable storage mediaincludes computer storage media and communication media. For example,flash memory drives, digital versatile discs (DVDs), compact discs(CDs), floppy disks, and tape cassettes. Computer-readable storage mediamay include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information suchas computer readable instructions, data structures, modules or otherdata.

This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of thepresent disclosure, including the preferred embodiments, and also toenable any person skilled in the art to practice the aspects thereof,including making and using any devices or systems and performing anyincorporated methods. The patentable scope of these aspects is definedby the claims, and may include other examples that occur to thoseskilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within thescope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differfrom the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalentstructural elements with insubstantial differences from the literallanguage of the claims. Aspects from the various embodiments described,as well as other known equivalents for each such aspect, can be mixedand matched by one of ordinary skill in the art to construct additionalembodiments and techniques in accordance with principles of thisapplication.

1. A pump comprising: a user interface; a memory storing processor executable instructions; and at least one processor coupled with the user interface and the memory and configured to execute the instructions to: receive a configuration of a tubing usage limit via the user interface; operate the pump according to a program; measure a tubing usage during pump operation; and generate an alert when the tubing usage reaches the tubing usage limit.
 2. The pump of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: detect a change of pump tubing; and prompt the user to input the configuration of the tubing usage limit via the user interface.
 3. The pump of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to download the processor executable instructions from an authenticated source.
 4. The pump of claim 1, wherein the tubing usage limit is an accumulated operating time.
 5. The pump of claim 1, wherein the tubing usage limit is a number of pump cycles.
 6. The pump of claim 1, wherein the tubing usage limit is a volume.
 7. The pump of claim 1, wherein the configuration of the tubing usage limit includes a plurality of tubing usage limits and an alert associated with each tubing usage limit.
 8. The pump of claim 1, wherein the alert stops operation of the pump.
 9. A method of controlling a pump, comprising, by a pump controller: receiving a configuration of a tubing usage limit via a user interface; operating the pump according to a program; measuring a tubing usage during pump operation; and generating an alert when the tubing usage reaches the tubing usage limit.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: detecting a change in pump tubing; and prompting the user to input the configuration of the tubing usage limit via the user interface.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising downloading firmware for the user interface, wherein the firmware includes processor executable instructions executable by the pump controller.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the tubing usage limit is an accumulated operating time.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the tubing usage limit is a number of pump cycles.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the tubing usage limit is a volume.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the configuration of the tubing usage limit includes a plurality of tubing usage limits and an alert associated with each tubing usage limit.
 16. A pump controller for controlling a pump, comprising: a memory storing computer-executable instructions; and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions to: receive a configuration of a tubing usage limit via a user interface; operate the pump according to a program; measure a tubing usage during pump operation; and generate an alert when the tubing usage reaches the tubing usage limit.
 17. The pump controller of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: detect a change of pump tubing; and prompt the user to input the configuration of the tubing usage limit via the user interface.
 18. The pump controller of claim 16, wherein the processor is configured to download the processor executable instructions from an authenticated source.
 19. The pump controller of claim 16, wherein the tubing usage limit is an accumulated operating time.
 20. The pump controller of claim 15, wherein the tubing usage limit is a number of pump cycles.
 21. The pump controller of claim 15, wherein the tubing usage limit is a volume. 